KR20090067186A - Converter circuit for switching a large number of switching voltage levels - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention specifies a converter circuit for switching a large number of switching voltage levels, in which a first switching group (1) is provided for each phase (R, S, T). In order to reduce the stored energy of the converter circuit and in order to save space, n second switching groups (4.1,...4.n) are provided which each have a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth drivable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) and a capacitor (11). For n > 1, each of the n second switching groups (4.1,...4.n) is connected in interlinked fashion to the respective adjacent second switching group (4.1,...4.n) and the first switching group (1) is connected to the first second switching group (4.1). In addition, a third switching group (12) and a fourth switching group (13) are provided, wherein the third switching group (12) is connected to the n-th second switching group (4.n), the fourth switching group (13) is connected to the n-th second switching group (4.n), and the third switching group (12) is connected to the fourth switching group (13).

Description

CONVERTER CIRCUIT FOR SWITCHING A LARGE NUMBER OF SWITCHING VOLTAGE LEVELS

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of power electronics. The invention is based on a converter circuit for switching a plurality of switching voltage levels according to the preamble of the present independent claims.

Prior art

Today, converter circuits are used in many power electronic applications. The requirements for such a converter circuit herein are, firstly, to generate as few harmonics as possible for the phases of the electrical AC voltage system, typically connected to the converter circuit, and secondly, to generate the lowest possible number of electronic components. Delivering the maximum possible powers using. Suitable converter circuits for switching a plurality of switching voltage levels are specified in DE 692 05 413 T2, where a first switching group and n additional first switching groups are provided for each phase, n ≧ 1, and the first switching group is formed by the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch, and the n additional first switching groups are defined by the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch and the first drive group. And a capacitor connected to the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch and the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches, respectively. Each of the first switching groups is connected in an interlink manner to each adjacent first switching group, wherein the first and second activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of the first additional first switching group are connected to each other. The first and second activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switches are insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) having drive electrodes arranged in an isolated manner and by diodes reverse-connected in parallel with the bipolar transistors. Each is formed.

Another general converter circuit for switching multiple switching voltage levels is specified in WO 2006/053448 A1.

The problem with the converter circuit for switching multiple switching voltage levels according to DE 692 05 413 T2 is that the electrical energy stored in the converter circuit during operation is very high. Since electrical energy is stored in the capacitors of the n first switching groups of the converter circuit, the capacitors must be designed for that electrical energy with respect to their dielectric strength and / or their capacitance. However, this requires capacitors with a large structural size, which capacitors are correspondingly expensive. In addition, the converter circuit requires a large amount of space due to the large capacitors for the structural size, so that a space-saving configuration such as that required for many applications such as traction applications is not possible. In addition, the use of large capacitors for structural size leads to high mounting and maintenance costs. In addition, the converter circuit for switching a plurality of switching voltage levels in accordance with DE 692 05 413 T2 has high voltages, due to the exclusive use as driveable power semiconductor switches of bipolar transistors having drive electrodes arranged in an insulating manner. Sensitive, especially sensitive to overvoltages, and further have significant active power losses.

Summary of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to store as little electrical energy as possible during operation, to be realized in a space-saving manner, to be as insensitive to high voltages and fault conditions as possible and to have low active power losses. Having a converter circuit for switching a plurality of switching voltage levels. This object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 2 respectively. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The converter circuit according to the invention for switching a plurality of switching voltage levels comprises a first switching group provided for each phase, the first switching group comprising a first drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch and a second drive bidirectional power. Formed by a semiconductor switch, the first and second activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of the first switching group are connected to each other. According to the present invention, n second switching groups are provided, each having a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch and a capacitor, where n ≧ 1, and The first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch is reverse-connected in series with the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch, and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch is reverse-connected in series with the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch. The first drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch is connected to the capacitor, the third drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch is connected to the capacitor, and the fifth drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch is directly connected to the fourth drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch and the first A sixth drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch connected directly to the junction between the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch and the capacitor; The location is directly connected to the second drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch and directly to the junction between the third drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch and the capacitor. Also, for n> 1, each of the n second switching groups is interlinked with each adjacent second switching group, and the first switching group is connected to the first second switching group. Further, a third switching group and a fourth switching group each having a first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch, a second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch, and a capacitor connected to the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches, respectively; Provided, the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches are connected to each other. The third switching group is connected to the nth second switching group, the fourth switching group is connected to the nth second switching group, and the third switching group is connected to the fourth switching group. Alternatively, p fifth switching groups are provided, each having a first and second activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switch, wherein p > 1 and for p > Interlinked with an adjacent fifth switching group. The first fifth switching group is connected to the nth second switching group, the third switching group is connected to the pth fifth switching group, the fourth switching group is connected to the pth fifth switching group, and the third switching The group is connected to the fourth switching group. The p fifth switching groups advantageously create additional redundancy for the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of the converter circuit according to the invention.

Given the same number of switching voltage levels, the converter circuit according to the invention is provided with means of n second switching groups, means of third and fourth switching groups, also means of p fifth switching groups, and By means of their connections, compared to converter circuits according to the prior art, it is advantageously possible to reduce the number of capacitors of the converter circuit and also to reduce the stored electrical energy of the converter circuit. As a result, the stored electrical energy of the converter circuit can be kept small as a whole, whereby the capacitors of the converter circuit need only be designed for the small electrical energy to be stored for their dielectric strength and / or their capacitance. Due to the small structural size of the resulting capacitors, the converter circuit requires very little space, so that a space-saving configuration such as that required for many applications such as traction applications is advantageously possible. In addition, the mounting and maintenance costs can be advantageously kept small as a result of the small structural size of the capacitors.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

1 shows a first embodiment of a converter circuit according to the invention.

2 shows a second embodiment of a converter circuit according to the invention.

3 shows a third embodiment of a converter circuit according to the invention.

4 shows a fourth embodiment of a converter circuit according to the invention.

5 shows a fifth embodiment of a converter circuit according to the invention.

6 shows a sixth embodiment of a converter circuit according to the invention.

7 shows a seventh embodiment of a converter circuit according to the invention.

The reference signs used in the figures and their meanings are summarized in the list of reference signs. In principle, like parts are provided with like reference numerals in the figures. The described embodiments represent by way of example the subject matter of the present invention and do not have a limiting effect.

Methods of Carrying Out the Invention

1 shows a first embodiment of a converter circuit according to the invention for switching a plurality of switching voltage levels, in particular in the case of a single phase, in which the converter circuit is provided for each phase (R, S, T). A first switching group (1), the first switching group (1) being formed by a first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (2) and a second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (3), the first switching group The first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 2 and 3 of (1) are connected to each other. According to FIG. 1, the junction between the first and second activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 2, 3 of the first switching group 1 forms a phase connection, in particular with respect to phase R. FIG.

Now, in accordance with the present invention, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and capacitor 11 are respectively N second switching groups (4.1, ..., 4.n) having n are provided, where n > 1, and the first actuated bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 Is connected in series with the fourth drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 and is reverse-connected in series with the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 and the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 ) Is connected to the capacitor 11, the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 is connected to the capacitor 11, and the fifth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 9 is the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch. A first actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch directly connected to (8) (5) Directly connected to the junction between the capacitor and the capacitor 11, the sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 10 is directly connected to the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 Is directly connected to the junction between the capacitor 11 and the capacitor 11. According to FIG. 1, n second switching groups (4.1, ..., 4.n) are four-terminal networks, so for n> 1, n second switching groups (4.1, ..., 4) each of .n) is interlinked with each adjacent second switching group (4.1, ..., 4.n). Further, according to FIG. 1, the first switching group 1 is connected to the first second switching group 4.1, the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 14, 16, the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch A third switching group 12 and a fourth having capacitors 15 and 17 connected to the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14, 15, 16 and 17, respectively. A switching group 13 is provided, wherein the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14, 15, 16, 17 are connected to each other. Further, according to FIG. 1, the third switching group 12 is connected to the nth second switching group 4.n, and the fourth switching group 13 is connected to the nth second switching group 4.n. Connected, the third switching group 12 is connected to the fourth switching group 13. As another method, in the case of the second embodiment of the converter circuit according to the invention according to FIG. 2, p fifth switching groups each having first and second activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 21, 22 ( 20.1, ..., 20.p), with p ≧ 1. According to FIG. 2, each of the p fifth switching groups 20.1, ..., 20.p is a four-terminal network, and for p> 1, p fifth switching groups 20.1, ... , 20.p) are interlinked with each adjacent fifth switching group 20.1,..., 20.p. According to FIG. 2, the first fifth switching group 20.1 is connected to the nth second switching group 4.n, and the third switching group 12 is connected to the pth fifth switching group 20.p. Connected, the fourth switching group 13 is connected to the pth fifth switching group 20.p, and the third switching group 12 is connected to the fourth switching group 13. The p fifth switching groups 20.1, ..., 20.p advantageously create additional redundancy for the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of the converter circuit according to the invention.

Given the same number of switching voltage levels, the converter circuit according to the invention is provided with means, third and fourth switching groups 12 of the n second switching groups 4.1,..., 4.n provided. By means of, 13, and also by means of p fifth switching groups 20.1,..., 20.p, and their connections described above, the capacitors 11, 18, 19, It is possible to keep the number of 23) small and also to reduce the stored electrical energy of the converter circuit. As a result, the stored electrical energy of the converter circuit can be kept small overall, whereby the capacitors 11, 18, 19, 23 of the converter circuit are only for the small electrical energy to be stored for their dielectric strength and / or their capacitance. It is designed. Due to the small structural size of the resulting capacitors, the converter circuit requires very little space, so that a space-saving configuration such as that required for many applications such as traction applications is advantageously possible. Furthermore, the mounting and maintenance costs can be advantageously kept small as a result of the small structural size of the capacitors 11, 18, 19, 23.

In the case of the first embodiment according to FIG. 1, for example, when the second switching groups (4.1,..., 4.n) with n = 1 are selected, only nine capacitors are used to switch nine switching voltage levels. A converter circuit for switching is achieved. In the case of the second embodiment according to FIG. 2, for example, n = 1 second switching groups (4.1,..., 4. n) and p = 1 fifth switching groups (20.1,... If .p) is selected, then a converter circuit for switching nine switching voltage levels using only three capacitors is achieved, with the fifth switching group (20.1, ..., 20.p) with p = 1 As a result, additional redundancy exists advantageously for the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of the converter circuit.

According to FIG. 1, the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 2 of the first switching group 1 comprises the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 and the capacitor 11 of the first second switching group 4.1. Is connected to the junction between the second switchable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 3 of the first switching group 1 and the capacitor and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 of the first second switching group 1. It is connected to the junction between (11). Further, the junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 14 of the third switching group 12 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 15 is the second of the nth second switching group 4.n. Connected to the junction between the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 and the sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 10. Further, the junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 16 of the fourth switching group 13 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 17 is the fourth of the nth second switching group 4.n. It is connected to the junction between the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 and the fifth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 9. According to FIG. 1, the capacitor 18 of the third switching group 12 is connected to the capacitor 19 of the fourth switching group 13.

According to FIG. 2, the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 2 of the first switching group 1 is the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 and the capacitor 11 of the first second switching group 4.1. Is connected to the junction between the second switchable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 3 of the first switching group 1 and the capacitor and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 of the first second switching group 1. It is connected to the junction between (11). The first actuated bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 also includes the second actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 and the sixth of the nth second switching group 4.n. Connected to the junction between the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 10, the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is connected to the first switch of the nth second switching group 4.n. It is connected to the junction between the four driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 and the fifth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 9. The junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 14 of the third switching group 12 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 15 is also the first drive of the pth fifth switching group 20.p. And the junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 16 of the fourth switching group 13 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 17 is the pth fifth. Connected to a second actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 of the switching group 20.p. Finally, according to FIG. 2, the capacitor 18 of the third switching group 12 is connected to the capacitor 19 of the fourth switching group 13.

3 illustrates a third embodiment of a converter circuit according to the invention. Continuing from FIG. 1, in FIG. 3, the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 2 of the first switching group 1 is the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 of the first second switching group 4.1. ) Is connected to the junction between the capacitor 11 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 3 of the first switching group 1 and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of the first second switching group 1. It is connected to the junction between 7 and the capacitor 11. Unlike in FIG. 1, the fifth activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 9 for the fourth activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 in the case of each second switching group 4.1,..., 4.n. The connection is at the junction between the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7, in the case of each second switching group (4.1,..., 4.n). The connection of the sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 10 to the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 connects the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 and the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5. At the junction of the liver. Further, the junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 14 of the third switching group 12 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 15 is the second of the nth second switching group 4.n. It is connected to the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6. Further, the junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 16 of the fourth switching group 13 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 17 is the fourth of the nth second switching group 4.n. It is connected to the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8, and the capacitor 18 of the third switching group 12 is connected to the capacitor 19 of the fourth switching group 13.

4 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a converter circuit according to the invention. Continuing from FIG. 2, in the converter circuit of FIG. 4, each fifth switching group 20.1,..., 20.p is a part of the associated fifth switching group 20.1,. The capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 has a capacitor 23 connected to the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 21 and 22, and the nth second switching group 4. n) the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 and the junction between the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 and the sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 10. ) Is connected to the junction point. The capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 and the fifth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 9 of the nth second switching group 4.n. Is further connected to the junction between the junction between the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 of the first and fifth switching groups 20.1. In the case of the fourth embodiment according to FIG. 4, for example, second switching groups (4.1, ..., 4.n) with n = 1 and fifth switching groups (20.1, ..., 20) with p = 1 .p) is selected, a converter circuit for switching nine switching voltage levels using only four capacitors is achieved, wherein the plurality of switching state combinations produce the same switching voltage level. Redundant switching state combinations of the switches can be advantageously achieved by means of the capacitor 23 of each of the fifth switching groups 20.1,..., 20.p, whereby generally the converter circuit The voltage can be stabilized at each capacitor 11, 18, 19, 23, and the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of the converter circuit generate less losses and can therefore be used more efficiently.

5 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a converter circuit according to the present invention. Continuing from FIG. 2, in FIG. 5, in a similar manner as in FIG. 3, the first actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 2 of the first switching group 1 is the first of the first second switching group 4.1. Connected to the junction between the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 and the capacitor 11, the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 3 of the first switching group 1 is the first second switching group 4.1. Of the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 and the capacitor 11. According to FIG. 5, the fifth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 9 for the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 in the case of each second switching group 4.1,..., 4.n. The connection is at the junction between the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7. Further, the connection of the sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 10 to the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 in the case of each second switching group 4.1,... At the junction between the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 and the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5. Further, the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is connected to the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 of the nth second switching group 4.n and The second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is connected to the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 of the nth second switching group 4.n. The junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 14 of the third switching group 12 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 15 is also the first drive of the pth fifth switching group 20.p. And the junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 16 of the fourth switching group 13 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 17 is the pth fifth. Connected to a second actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 of the switching group 20.p. Finally, the capacitor 18 of the third switching group 12 is connected to the capacitor 19 of the fourth switching group 13. According to FIG. 2, in the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 5, for the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of the converter circuit, by means of p fifth switching groups 20.1,. Additional redundancy can be advantageously achieved.

6 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the converter circuit according to the invention. Continuing from FIG. 5, in FIG. 6, each fifth switching group 20.1,... 20. p is the first and first of the associated fifth switching group 20.1,. Having a capacitor 23 connected to the two driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 21, 22, the capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the first of the first fifth switching group 20.1. It is connected to the junction between the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 of the nth second switching group 4.n. In addition, the capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 and the nth second switching group 4.n. Is connected to the junction between the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8. In the case of the sixth embodiment according to FIG. 6, for example, n = 1 second switching groups (4.1,..., 4. n) and p = 1 fifth switching groups (20.1,... .p) is selected, a converter circuit for switching nine switching voltage levels using only four capacitors is achieved, wherein the plurality of switching state combinations produce the same switching voltage level. Redundant switching state combinations of the switches can be advantageously achieved by the means of the capacitor 23 of each of the fifth switching groups 20.1,..., 20.p, whereby generally each of the converter circuits The voltage at the capacitors 11, 18, 19, 23 can be stabilized, and the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of the converter circuit generate less losses and can therefore be used more efficiently.

As another variant to FIG. 5, unlike FIG. 6, only the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the first and second actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 21, of the first fifth switching group 20.1. It is also conceivable to have a capacitor 23 connected to 22, where the capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the first activatable bidirectional power semiconductor of the first fifth switching group 20.1. It is connected to the junction between the switch 21 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 of the nth second switching group 4.n. In addition, the capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 and the nth second switching group 4.n. Is connected to the junction between the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8. Second switching groups (4.1, ..., n), where the first fifth switching group 20.1 has a capacitor 23 and the second fifth switching group 20.2 does not have a capacitor 23. 4.n) and for the fifth switching groups 20.1, ..., 20.p with p = 2, a converter circuit for switching nine switching voltage levels using only four capacitors is achieved, The redundant switching state combinations of the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches, wherein the plurality of switching state combinations produce the same switching voltage level, are the capacitors 23 of each of the fifth switching groups 20.1,. Can be advantageously achieved by means of which the voltage can generally be stabilized at each capacitor 11, 18, 19, 23 of the converter circuit, and there are fewer driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of the converter circuit. Incur losses and thus more It can be used efficiently.

As another variant to FIG. 5, unlike FIG. 6, the first fifth switching group 20.1 and the at least one further fifth switching group 20.2,. It is likewise conceivable to have a capacitor 23 respectively connected to the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 21, 22 of the switching group 20.1, 20.2,..., 20.p, where The capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 and the first of the nth second switching group 4.n. It is connected to the junction between the two driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 6. In addition, the capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 and the nth second switching group 4.n. Is connected to the junction between the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8.

In all embodiments, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of each second switching group (4.1, ..., 4.n) ( It is conceivable that 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) preferably have at least two driveable bidirectional switching elements, respectively, wherein the driveable bidirectional switching elements are connected in series. Thus, it is advantageously possible to increase the voltage to be switched in each of the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Furthermore, it is further ensured that the first and second activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 21, 22 of each fifth switching group 20.1,..., 20.p each have at least two activatable bidirectional switching elements. It is also possible, where the driveable bidirectional switching elements are connected in series. In this case as well, it is possible to increase the voltage to be switched in each of the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 21, 22. Further, the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14, 15 of the third switching group 12 and the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 16 of the fourth switching group 13. , 17) it is also possible to have at least two driveable bidirectional switching elements each, where the driveable bidirectional switching elements are connected in series. In this case as well, it is advantageously possible to increase the voltage to be switched in each of the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14, 15, 16, 17. Thus, for the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 6, any desired number of driveable bidirectional switching elements can be applied to each driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14,. 15, 16, 17, 21, 22). In this respect, FIG. 7 illustrates a seventh embodiment of the converter circuit according to the invention, where by way of example, a second switching group (4.1, ..., 4.n) with n = 1 according to FIG. Provided, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 of a single second switching group 4.1. Has two driveable bidirectional switching elements, respectively, and the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14, 15, 16, 17 of the third and fourth switching groups 12, 13 are 3. Each of the two actuable bidirectional switching elements.

Preferably, each driveable bidirectional switching element of each driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of the converter circuit is in parallel with an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) having a drive electrode arranged for example in an isolated manner and in parallel with the transistor. Formed by a reverse-connected diode. In order to be able to switch high voltages in the capacitors 18, 19 of the third and fourth switching groups 12, 13, the first and the first of the third and fourth switching groups 12, 13. 2 The driveable bidirectional switching element of the driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14, 15, 16, 17 is an integrated thyristor (IGCT) with a rectifying drive electrode and a diode reverse-connected in parallel with the thyristor. It is preferable that it is formed by.

Thus, collectively, the converter circuit according to the invention for switching a plurality of switching voltage levels presents a solution characterized by a small stored electrical energy and space-saving configuration during its operation and is therefore not complicated and robust. It is not very sensitive to interference.

List of reference marks

One; First switching group

2; First actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of the first switching group

3; Second actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of the first switching group

4.1, ..., 4.n; Second switching groups

5; First actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of second switching groups

6; Second actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of second switching groups

7; Third actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of second switching groups

8; Fourth actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of second switching groups

9; Fifth actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of second switching groups

10; Sixth actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of second switching groups

11; Capacitors of Second Switching Groups

12; Third switching group

13; Fourth switching group

14; First Actuable Bidirectional Power Semiconductor Switch of Third Switching Group

15; Second actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of a third switching group

16; First actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of fourth switching group

17; Second actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of a fourth switching group

18; Capacitor of the third switching group

19; Capacitor of Fourth Switching Group

20.1, ..., 20.p; Fifth switching groups

21; First actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of fifth switching groups

22; Second actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switch of fifth switching groups

23; Capacitor of Fifth Switching Group

Claims (13)

A converter circuit for switching a plurality of switching voltage levels, comprising a first switching group (1) provided for each phase (R, S, T), The first switching group (1) is formed by a first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (2) and a second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (3), and the first and second switches of the first switching group (1). The second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 2, 3 are connected to each other, The converter circuit, N second switches each having a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and a capacitor 11, respectively. Groups 4.1,..., 4.n are provided, n ≥ 1, and the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 is in series with the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6. Reverse-connected, the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 is reverse-connected in series with the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8, and the first driveable bidirectional power The semiconductor switch 5 is connected to the capacitor 11, the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 is connected to the capacitor 11, and the fifth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 9 is connected to the capacitor 11. Is directly connected to the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 Is directly connected to the junction between the first drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 and the capacitor 11, and the sixth drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch 10 is connected to the second drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 Directly connected to the junction between the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 and the capacitor 11, For n> 1, each of the n second switching groups (4.1, ..., 4.n) is interlinked with each adjacent second switching group (4.1, ..., 4.n). ), The first switching group 1 is connected to the first second switching group 4.1. First drive bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14, 16, second drive bidirectional power semiconductor switches 15, 17, and first and second drive bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14, 15, 16, 17. And a third switching group 12 and a fourth switching group 13 having capacitors 18 and 19 respectively connected to the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14, 15, 16, 17) are connected to each other, The third switching group 12 is connected to an nth second switching group 4.n, The fourth switching group 13 is connected to the nth second switching group 4.n, The third switching group (12) is connected to the fourth switching group (13). A converter circuit for switching a plurality of switching voltage levels, comprising a first switching group (1) provided for each phase (R, S, T), The first switching group (1) is formed by a first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (2) and a second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (3), and the first and second switches of the first switching group (1). The second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 2, 3 are connected to each other, The converter circuit, N second switches each having a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and a capacitor 11, respectively. Groups 4.1,..., 4.n are provided, n ≥ 1, and the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 is in series with the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6. Reverse-connected, the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 is reverse-connected in series with the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8, and the first driveable bidirectional power The semiconductor switch 5 is connected to the capacitor 11, the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 is connected to the capacitor 11, and the fifth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 9 is connected to the capacitor 11. Is directly connected to the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 Directly connected to a junction between a first drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 and the capacitor 11, the sixth drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch 10 being the second drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 Directly connected to a junction between the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 and the capacitor 11, For n> 1, each of the n second switching groups (4.1, ..., 4.n) is interlinked with each adjacent second switching group (4.1, ..., 4.n). ), The first switching group 1 is connected to the first second switching group 4.1. First drive bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14, 16, second drive bidirectional power semiconductor switches 15, 17, and first and second drive bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14, 15, 16, 17. And a third switching group 12 and a fourth switching group 13 having capacitors 18 and 19 respectively connected to the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14, 15, 16, 17) are connected to each other, P fifth switching groups 20.1,..., 20.p having first and second activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 21, 22, respectively, are provided, and p ≧ 1, For p> 1, each of the p fifth switching groups 20.1,... 20. p is interlinked with each adjacent fifth switching group 20.1,. The first fifth switching group 20.1 is connected to the nth second switching group 4.n, The third switching group 12 is connected to a pth fifth switching group 20.p, The fourth switching group 13 is connected to the pth fifth switching group 20.p, The third switching group (12) is connected to the fourth switching group (13). The method of claim 1, The first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 2 of the first switching group 1 is the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 and the capacitor 11 of the first second switching group 4.1. Is connected to a junction between the second switchable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 3 of the first switching group 1 and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 3 of the first second switching group 4. 7) is connected to the junction between the capacitor 11, The junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 14 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 15 of the third switching group 12 is the nth second switching group 4.n. Connected to a junction between the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 and the sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 10, The junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 16 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 17 of the fourth switching group 13 is the nth second switching group 4.n. Connected to a junction between the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 and the fifth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 9, The capacitor (18) of the third switching group (12) is connected to the capacitor (19) of the fourth switching group (13). The method of claim 1, The first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 2 of the first switching group 1 is the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 and the capacitor 11 of the first second switching group 4.1. Is connected to a junction between the second switchable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 3 of the first switching group 1 and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 3 of the first second switching group 4. 7) is connected to the junction between the capacitor 11, The connection of the fifth drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch 9 to the fourth drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 in the case of each second switching group 4.1,. At the junction between the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7 and in the case of each second switching group (4.1,..., 4.n); The connection of the sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 10 to the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 connects the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 and the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6. (5) is at the junction between The junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 14 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 15 of the third switching group 12 is the nth second switching group 4.n. Connected to the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6, The junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 16 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 17 of the fourth switching group 13 is the nth second switching group 4.n. Connected to the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8, The capacitor (18) of the third switching group (12) is connected to the capacitor (19) of the fourth switching group (13). The method of claim 2, The first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 2 of the first switching group 1 is the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 and the capacitor 11 of the first second switching group 4.1. Is connected to a junction between the second switchable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 3 of the first switching group 1 and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 3 of the first second switching group 4. 7) is connected to the junction between the capacitor 11, The first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is connected to the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 of the nth second switching group 4.n. Connected to a junction between the sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 10, The second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is connected with the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 of the nth second switching group 4.n. Connected to a junction between the fifth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 9, The junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 14 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 15 of the third switching group 12 is the pth fifth switching group 20.p. Connected to the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21, The junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 16 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 17 of the fourth switching group 13 is the pth fifth switching group 20.p. Connected to the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22, The capacitor (18) of the third switching group (12) is connected to the capacitor (19) of the fourth switching group (13). The method of claim 2, The first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 2 of the first switching group 1 is the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 5 and the capacitor 11 of the first second switching group 4.1. Is connected to a junction between the second switchable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 3 of the first switching group 1 and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 3 of the first second switching group 4. 7) is connected to the junction between the capacitor 11, The connection of the fifth drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch 9 to the fourth drive bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 in the case of each second switching group 4.1,. At the junction between the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 and the third driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 7, in the case of each second switching group (4.1,..., 4.n). The connection of the sixth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 10 to the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 is such that the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 and the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 10. At the junction between the switches (5), The first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is connected to the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 of the nth second switching group 4.n. Connected, The second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is connected to the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 of the nth second switching group 4.n. Connected, The junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 14 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 15 of the third switching group 12 is the pth fifth switching group 20.p. Connected to the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21, The junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 16 and the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 17 of the fourth switching group 13 is the pth fifth switching group 20.p. Connected to the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22, The capacitor (18) of the third switching group (12) is connected to the capacitor (19) of the fourth switching group (13). The method of claim 5, wherein Each fifth switching group 20.1, ..., 20.p is connected to the first and second activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of the associated fifth switching group 20.1, ..., 20.p. Having a capacitor 23 connected to 21, 22, The capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6 and the sixth driveable bidirectional power of the nth second switching group 4.n. A junction between a semiconductor switch 10 and a junction between the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21 of the first fifth switching group 20.1, The capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 8 and the fifth driveable bidirectional power of the nth second switching group 4.n. A converter circuit characterized in that it is connected to a junction between a semiconductor switch (9) and a junction between said second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (22) of said first fifth switching group (20.1). The method of claim 6, Each fifth switching group 20.1, ..., 20.p is connected to the first and second activatable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of the associated fifth switching group 20.1, ..., 20.p. Having a capacitor 23 connected to 21, 22, The capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21 and the nth second switching group 4 of the first fifth switching group 20.1. .n) is connected to a junction between the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6, The capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 and the nth second switching group 4 of the first fifth switching group 20.1. n) connected to the junction between said fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (8). The method of claim 6, The first fifth switching group 20.1 has a capacitor 23 connected to the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 21, 22 of the first fifth switching group 20.1, The capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21 and the nth second switching group 4 of the first fifth switching group 20.1. .n) is connected to a junction between the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6, The capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 and the nth second switching group 4 of the first fifth switching group 20.1. n) connected to the junction between said fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (8). The method of claim 6, The first fifth switching group 20.1 and the at least one additional fifth switching group 20.2, ..., 20.p are associated with the associated fifth switching group 20.1, 20.2, ..., 20.p. Has a capacitor 23 connected to the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 21, 22, respectively, The capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the first driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 21 and the nth second switching group 4 of the first fifth switching group 20.1. .n) is connected to a junction between the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 6, The capacitor 23 of the first fifth switching group 20.1 is the second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch 22 and the nth second switching group 4 of the first fifth switching group 20.1. n) connected to the junction between said fourth driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (8). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth actuable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 5, 6, 7 of each second switching group (4.1, ..., 4.n) , 8, 9, 10 each have at least two driveable bidirectional switching elements, And said driveable bidirectional switching elements are connected in series. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 21, 22 of each fifth switching group 20.1,..., 20.p each have at least two driveable bidirectional switching elements, And said driveable bidirectional switching elements are connected in series. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches 14 and 15 of the third switching group 12 and the first and second driveable bidirectional power semiconductor switches of the fourth switching group 13. 16 and 17 each have at least two driveable bidirectional switching elements, And said driveable bidirectional switching elements are connected in series.

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